12-05-2025
Staff organisation objects to ‘unlawful inspection' at KTU
APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Staff Organisation (TUSO) has accused the Higher Education department of infringing on the university's autonomy by conducting an unsanctioned inspection on campus.
The department, TUSO alleged, conducted a 'surprise inspection' led by an additional secretary on Friday to probe a complaint by a Students Federation of India (SFI) leader regarding the denial of his PhD admission. The inspection was conducted without the knowledge or consent of the Vice-Chancellor, the organisation claimed.
'First known instance'
The officials allegedly recorded statements of senior university officials, including the Registrar. TUSO alleged that this was the first known instance of government officials directly questioning university personnel, bypassing the customary process of seeking written clarification from the institution.
TUSO claimed that the inspection took place at a time when the Governor is yet to give his assent to the University Laws (Amendment) Bill, which would empower the Higher Education Minister or an appointed officer to carry out such inspections legally.
The complaint that prompted the inspection was apparently submitted by former Syndicate member Ashiq Ibrahimkutty, whose application for PhD admission was rejected after he allegedly failed to prove his eligibility within deadline.
Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) K. Sivaprasad also instituted an inquiry into allegations that the applicant had threatened the Dean of Research. TUSO has urged the Vice-Chancellor to bring the issue to the attention of the Chancellor, highlighting what it termed an unlawful intrusion by the government into university affairs.
